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TVK warns 108 MLAs will resign if DMK or AIADMK form government; Governor blocks stake claim
TVK warned that all 108 of its MLAs will resign if DMK or AIADMK attempt to stake a claim to form government in Tamil Nadu. The move followed meetings in the DMK and AIADMK camps, a gubernatorial rejection of Vijay’s bid, and signals of potential court action.
Why It Matters
The episode signals intense political maneuvering to form a government outside the conventional majority party, risking instability and possible legal battles in Tamil Nadu.
Timeline
8 Events
TVK signals continued legal action; push to resolve the crisis
May 7, 2026
TVK indicated it would pursue legal avenues to challenge the Governor's stance and seek a resolution on who should be invited to form the government, given the contested majority situation.
DMK backs TVK; Kamal Haasan voices support for Vijay
May 7, 2026
The DMK backed TVK, calling the Governor's decision unacceptable and a disrespect to the mandate. Actor Kamal Haasan also spoke up in support of Vijay.
VCK leader Thol Thirumavalavan cautions on the Governor's approach
May 7, 2026
VCK chief Thol Thirumavalavan said Vijay is seeking support because he has emerged as the single largest party and should be allowed to take office after proving majority on the floor of the assembly. He added that the Governor cannot demand a list of supporters before the swearing-in.
CPI Tamil Nadu urges Governor to act per Constitution
May 7, 2026
The Tamil Nadu unit of the CPI urged the Governor to act in accordance with the Constitution, saying TVK as the single-largest party must be given the opportunity to prove majority on the floor of the Assembly, citing SR Bommai judgments.
TVK warns of mass resignations if DMK or AIADMK attempt government formation
May 7, 2026
TVK warned that every MLA will resign if either DMK or AIADMK try to stake a claim to form the government. The party suggested collusion between the two Dravidian parties and stated it plans to go to court to seek resolution.
Governor refuses to allow Vijay to stake claim; demands 118 letters of support
May 7, 2026
Governor RV Arlekar refused to allow Vijay to stake claim to form government, saying he does not have the numbers and did not accept the plan to reach the majority mark. The Raj Bhavan communique stated the requisite majority support in the Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly has not been established and that Vijay should provide letters of support from 118 legislators.
AIADMK holds meeting with Palaniswami; MLAs urged to stay calm
May 7, 2026
The AIADMK held a meeting described as a similar step to TVK's actions, with MLAs urged to wait and watch and stay calm for two more days. Later, more than 45 MLAs attended a meeting with Palaniswami, who said there is no relation between TVK and AIADMK and no poaching at this point.
DMK holds meeting; passes four resolutions and authorises emergency decisions
May 7, 2026
The DMK held a meeting earlier today in which it passed four resolutions, including authorising party chief MK Stalin to take emergency decisions. The DMK said its primary aim is to avert another election and to have a stable government, and it asked all MLAs to remain in Chennai till May 10.